BACK TO THE ROOTS OF ALIADOS A TRIBUTE TO ROLANDO REYES SR, FEATURING ERNESTO PEREZ-CARRILLO

As a teenager, Reyes Sr. works in the most famous cigar factories in Havana. When he moves to the US in 1971, he creates a cigar brand called Aliados. In the eighties and nineties, the stars of Reyes Sr. and Aliados would rise to the top.

The secret? Reyes Sr. adheres to quite eccentric work ethics. He starts work at 3 pm, when everyone else calls it a day. Alone, he can focus on the craft. Nakedeye he inspects each cigar that has been rolled. No imperfection goes unnoticed. Sticky notes full of remarks pile up. But the real test for that day’s production is yet to come…

Because when Rolando finally turns down the factory lights, a couple of hours after midnight, his friends come over. They open a bottle of wine, share memories about Cuba but more importantly: they taste and meticulously discuss the palate of Rolando’s cigars. Next morning, handwritten notes full of expert analyses are all over the place for the daytime shift to attend to. They guide them to make even better cigars than yesterday … branch. Then something odd happens. CEO Fred Vandermarliere receives a phone call from Ernesto Pérez-Carrillo, the best master blender in the world. Pérez-Carrillo heard of the acquisition. He asks Fred one and only one question: if he may help restore the fame of the real Cuba Aliados?

This daily (and nightly) ritual defines the golden years. Rolando Reyes Sr. becomes the most respected master blender of the Calle Ocho and his Aliados are coveted around the world. The cigar boom of the nineties marks the peak of the brand’s reputation.

As it turns out, Pérez-Carrillo is a pupil of Rolando Reyes Sr. He was part of the gang, part of those nights right there in the Calle Ocho. Today, Pérez-Carrillo has made a name for himself. In the last five years, he signed for the best cigar in the world twice and was runner-up once. This is the right man at the right place at the right time to go back to the roots.

But could he pull it off? Could he rebuild the identity? We left nothing to chance. Ernesto PérezCarrillo travelled the world in search of answers. In six months, more than 100 blends were sampled. This man, nr. 1 in the world, put his soul into it. In honour of his mentor. And he succeeded.

WE PROUDLY PRESENT: ALIADOS

If you ever get the chance to visit Miami, and if you’re a cigar aficionado, go look for the Calle Ocho. Southwest 8 Street is at the heart of a neighbourhood that goes by the nickname of Little Havana. This miniature Cuban universe kindles the imagination. Stanzas of the worldfamous Buena Vista Social Club album pop up in your head as you stroll around.

From the 1950s onwards, Cuban exiles flock together here in search of a place to preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage of their motherland. You can taste a good mojito in Calle Ocho, catch a game of domino and… try out a delicious hand rolled cigar.

THE RISE AND DEMISE OF ALIADOS Probably no name is more connected to Calle Ocho than the one of the late Rolando Reyes Sr.

Rolando Reyes Sr. will remain a perfectionist during his entire life. He finds it hard to pass down his knowledge of the craft. But old age forces him to delegate one task after another. Going into the new century, the next generations cannot keep up the founder’s premium quality blending and rolling. In 2010 they sell the brand to discounters. In 2012, Rolando dies. But his legend continues to inspire premium cigar makers and lovers around the globe.

2022: BACK TO THE ROOTS

In the summer of 2021, VCF acquires the brand name Aliados to rekindle it as part of the Oliva

From the very start, VCF had the intention to bring Aliados back to a quality level that made it big. It deserves nothing less, and it is that same sheer quest for premium quality that makes the brand such a good addition to the Oliva family of cigars. Thanks to Ernesto PérezCarrillo, Oliva also succeeded in rekindling the authentic taste and the identity, on top of that.

Two lines have been developed. A original blend version, made by Julio Eiroa and his family and a limited EPC version, created by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo. Each one offering five sizes - Robusto, Toro, Torpedo, Regordo, Churchill. The blends bring out the best of the Central American plains.

For cigar lovers enjoying the new Aliados, it will be a trip down memory lane, and as good as a real visit to Calle Ocho in Miami. Each draw serves toasty undertones and refers to the red wine Rolando enjoyed with his friends during their legendary nights.